Fire Dispatcher: Critical Incident Communications

County Emergency Communications; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement programs

Paid leave

Employee-support services

Professional development

Job summary

County Emergency Communications in Hidalgo, TX seeks qualified Fire Dispatchers to coordinate emergency responses and maintain communications with responding units. The role emphasizes accuracy, radios operation, and strict adherence to response plans.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and may need fire dispatch certification or EMS dispatch training depending on the assignment; some agencies offer entry-level instruction. Shift work may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED commonly required; entry-level options exist in some agencies.
• Comfort with computer systems, accurate data entry, maps, and radio communication; specific dispatch certifications may be required for some postings.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of fires, rescues, alarms, and hazardous conditions.
• Verify incident locations, access information, and reported risks.
• Alert stations and dispatch apparatus using approved response assignments.
• Monitor radio channels, unit availability, and incident status.
• Relay information about occupants, hazards, and changing conditions.
• Process requests for additional resources through established procedures.
• Coordinate mutual-aid communications when assigned.
• Record dispatch times, unit movements, and significant incident updates.

Skills

Radio communication

Data entry

Maps

Computer systems

Education

High school diploma

Job description

County Emergency Communications in Hidalgo, TX seeks qualified Fire Dispatchers to coordinate emergency responses and maintain communications with responding units. The role emphasizes accuracy, radios operation, and strict adherence to response plans.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and may need fire dispatch certification or EMS dispatch training depending on the assignment; some agencies offer entry-level instruction. Shift work may include nights, weekends, and holidays.